How does a strong adjacent channel signal affect a receiver?

A strong adjacent channel signal can reduce a receiver's sensitivity, impacting its ability to discern weaker signals within its intended frequency range. This occurs due to the phenomena of adjacent channel interference, where signals from nearby frequencies can overload or interfere with the receiver’s ability to process the target signal effectively.

When a strong adjacent signal is present, it can create distortion or unwanted mixing in the receiver, leading to a decreased ability to pick up and properly decode weaker signals that are adjacent in frequency. This interference can mask the desired transmission, causing a degradation in overall performance, especially in environments where multiple signals are present. Thus, the correct representation of the impact of a strong adjacent channel signal on a receiver is that it indeed reduces its sensitivity.